Every 2 years since 1976, there has been a gathering for all of the United Methodist camp and retreat leaders across the country. I have attended 8 of these National Camp & Retreat Leaders’ Gatherings over the years in Colorado, California, Georgia, and Florida, solely as a volunteer, first as a Camping Board Chair in Eastern PA and recently as a member of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Team in Western PA.  Every one of them has reminded me convincingly that what the United Methodist Church offers in camping ministry is second to none. I say that because of the diversity of its sites for all levels of accommodation, the diversity of its programming for all ages, and more importantly than anything, the diversity of its leaders as professionals and volunteers.

While I was in college, I was on a rotating Program Staff in Western PA from 1976-78 (alongside Kevin Witt and others) and it hooked me on the incredible opportunities for spiritual and personal growth that Christian camping offers to all generations. Bishop Peter Weaver, when he served the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, called camping ministry the “Environment of Encounter.” When he gave the message at the 50th anniversary for the Jumonville Cross in 2001, he told us that “this cross can’t just be seen from 3 different states but from all over the entire globe because of the lives that have been changed here.” Having served at 6 different camp sites across Pennsylvania, I have realized that these life-changing experiences are not specific to any one camp or style: we encounter God in many different ways based on what each camp environment has to offer. 

This year’s National Gathering, held at Camp Allen near Houston, TX, featured some very memorable moments as we explored the theme “WonderFULL.” Rev. Gary Lawson, who received the Legacy of Leadership Award upon his retirement from over 30 years of camp leadership, shared a message reminding us to experience all of the wonder that is around us and how often we should exclaim, “Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow” every day, multiple times a day, wherever we are. Another high point for me was meeting Mark Charles, who co-authored the book Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, which identified the roots of our ongoing national struggle for a just society for all people, especially BIPOC communities. Christian camping has often catered to populations with enough resources and familiarity with the outdoors, but we are called to intentionally work at welcoming and inviting those who have been left out. The event included a plethora of workshops, inspirational keynotes, energizing worship experiences, thought-provoking Bible studies, and even a morning to completely relax and get a chair massage. Most participants are serving in full-time camp and retreat ministry, and there is increasing need for more to serve in staff and volunteer roles to keep these ministries sustainable and effective.

Denominational disruptions over the past few years have impacted camp and retreat ministries even as we continue to offer hospitality and open doors to all, many outside the United Methodist Church. Our organizations have needed to seek revenue from outside sources as funding within the denomination has decreased. The opportunity to reach children and youth solely from within UMC church communities has become less. However, this Gathering and my lifelong love for the life-changing opportunities in Christian camping make me hopeful about reversing these trends. In fact, it is God’s wonder that is so evident in the natural world, in the love shown by camp leaders to campers, and the commitment of volunteers to support the ministry with their time and resources. It is God at work when camps provide opportunities for challenge experiences, group games, Bible study, worship, and just hanging out together. It is God calling each of us at any age to be His disciples and walk more fully in the life of faith. Nothing else offers such a complete, immersive experience as Christian camping.

As a Volunteer Director/Dean for over 50 camping experiences, I have spent my life inviting others to be volunteers and planning experiences for us to encounter God. Therefore, I must conclude by inviting all who are reading this to do at least one of the following things to participate in this summer’s camping program:

1. Work on paid summer staff at one of our United Methodist camps. Few other job opportunities will be so fulfilling, regardless of pay.

2. Volunteer as a counselor for an event this summer by contacting one of the Executive Directors instead of thinking about why you can’t. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

3. Attend a camping experience yourself and invite others to join you, especially if you’ve never gone before, because it might change the rest of your life.

4. Contribute financially to scholarships and facilities improvements. Money should never be the reason why a child or youth cannot attend camp.

5. Pray for God to be at work in WonderFULL ways this summer.